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Engin Firat reveals tactical approach ahead of must-win AFCON qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Namibia
Harambee Stars head coach Engin Firat has unveiled the strategies he plans to implement as Kenya prepares to face Zimbabwe and Namibia in November’s critical AFCON 2025 qualifiers.
With Kenya’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, these two matches are pivotal. To secure a place in the tournament, Firat’s side needs to win both encounters.
Kenya’s journey to AFCON has been marred by setbacks, with two recent losses to Cameroon casting a shadow on their qualification campaign. However, there is some optimism.
Kenya emerged victorious in their last matchup against Namibia with a 2-1 win in September. Their record against Zimbabwe is equally promising, having defeated them twice this year—3-1 in the Malawi Four Nations tournament and a 2-0 win in the COSAFA Cup.
However, a goalless draw against Zimbabwe in Uganda highlighted the challenge ahead.
Addressing the press before the team’s departure for South Africa, Firat explained the defensive tactics he expects from both Zimbabwe and Namibia.
“Namibia and Zimbabwe will play very deep against us and on the counter. They will not open the game which we know,” Firat stated, indicating his anticipation of a cautious approach from Kenya’s opponents.
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11:14 - 13.11.2024
How Teddy Akumu wants to use AFCON 2019 squad snub to get Harambee Stars qualifying for 2025 edition
Akumu was dropped from the Harambee Stars final squad that travelled to Egypt, the last time Kenya played at the Africa Cup of Nations, and he is keen to right those wrongs this year.
Firat acknowledged the quality in Zimbabwe’s squad, noting, “Zimbabwe has a lot of good players; some are playing in Serie A, French League 1, English Premier League. They have a full squad and no one is missing. We know we have to pressure and push because they will close.”
Despite Zimbabwe conceding only one goal in the qualifiers and Namibia's strength—demonstrated by their second-place standing in their World Cup qualifying group—Firat remains focused on Kenya’s game plan.
"We have our ideas to open the game and exploit their weaknesses," he said. "We are aware of their strength, but it does not change the fact that we want to win."
With his tactical blueprint in place, Firat and the Harambee Stars now look ahead to what promises to be a defining chapter in their quest for AFCON qualification.
11:14 - 13.11.2024
How Teddy Akumu wants to use AFCON 2019 squad snub to get Harambee Stars qualifying for 2025 edition
Akumu was dropped from the Harambee Stars final squad that travelled to Egypt, the last time Kenya played at the Africa Cup of Nations, and he is keen to right those wrongs this year.
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